Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .358 Win. Bolt Rifle, MFD 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2925
LSB#: 211019JR01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight, Product Code G7025CN
Serial Number: 344182
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL – 70 – FEATHERWEIGHT – / MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “-358 WIN.-” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver also has a “WP” proof and “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“. The right of the chamber ring is marked “344182”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sightdovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic mount (none included). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivels front and rear, and a checkered black alloy shotgun-style buttplate. There is a repaired break in the wrist. The break goes through the bolt-handle slot on the right, back into the wrist checkering and down to the rear of the trigger guard, and then back up from the rear of the trigger guard to the back of the receiver on the left. There is an additional crack in the top of the wrist. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some discoloration and handling wear in the grip areas. The checkering is generally well defined. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light marks and minor wear with generally sharp checkering. Overall, the stock is in Fair-Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Floorplate/Trigger Guard Assembly
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly toward the muzzle-end and on the right side. The receiver has only a few minor marks. Most of the balance is in finish wear on the bottom metal. The action shows light operational wear. The bolt knob has handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition and would rate Very Good-plus but for the break in the wrist.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pulled to the rear, the safety is ON, locking both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight rifle chambered in .358 Winchester and made in 1955. The rifle shows wear consistent with responsible use in the field, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. The stock has been broken at some point in the past and repaired. Given the power of the .358 Winchester cartridge, you may wish to replace the stock before firing. Once that’s done, it is going to make a great all-around hunting rifle. It’s also a nice old Winchester that would make a nice addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!